The evening was calm on the balcony that lays behind the Keth Varra (the Warlord’s Hall) as it looked down on the festival. The last few days have been quite the activity and normally it would not be unusual for this event. Some Warlord scheming their way to gain the upper hand. But now the outher-worlders are involved, trying to gain their favor.

Meanwhile, the square below was still buzzing from the match that was between W’ekras vs. Maq’rod. But the noise is starting to bleed over into the street and market sounds. Baro sat close to Vor’aq “My lord, House Krellek banners are selling fast in their stalls, Khor’tek must be running exercises overhead. House Krellek is not done after their defeat”.

Sitting back in his chair looking at the busy streets, “We might have won the ring today. Not the world yet” Vor’aq was deadly aware of the stakes of this world cultural difference “The Federation would have had less luck with these people, at least, is something I am quite aware of”.

A man approaches their table, his robe shows the signature of Varrek, an aide? “HoD Vor’aq of House Qabhi, Soghla’ J’esord K’tadh you are invited for private audience with his grace the Warlord.”

Vor’aq looked at the man and nods “I accept this audience, show us the way” He stands up and gives a nod to Baro to stay put. He started to follow the aide with J’esord following beside him, “We listen first” he spoke and instructed K’tadh.

Inner Chamber – Keth Varra

The two arrived in the inner chamber as the aide gracefully bows to the Warlord sitting behind his desk. Varrek nods to the aide “Thank you, you are excused” Dismissing the aide to leave the room. When the door finally closes, Varrek looks at the two Klingons in front of him as his one scribe, Pelis Vor, was sitting next to his desk. “I am going to be very blunt here, HoD.” Show the respect that Vor’aq has earned since his stay.

Taking a deep breath “Krellek’s envoys, or more to the point Toral’s envoys, have hinted at a protectorate for our people. Their ships posted in-system, mutual security, share spoils if this expanse gets any hotter” Varrek looks at their faces for any kind of reaction and then shifts his attention to Pelis.

“If conflict appears, no delay. No hesitation if our people are threatened when they arise” Pelis quietly reads up the lines from the Toral envoys. This proposal was quite attractive to the people of Vraxiri.

Varrek focus turns back to them, “The iron streets talk, whispers to be in favor of the harsh noise that Krellek brings to our lands. He makes conquest sound simple? So what do you bring to our table? Is war, is ships….make your stand”.

“An easy war is usually an easy lie” Vor’aq spoke with, being annoyed by the jump lead of Toral envoys, but in a way not even surprised.

The elder Klingon ponders the weight of his own words, but eventually J’esord speaks, “Every bargain has its own price and desires. Let’s see what we can bring to your table” He looks briefly at his side to his Lord who gave a nod and steps forward-looking back at the Warlord. “I have observed your people since our arrival, they are honorable people with an overflowing amount of bravery. Toral’s people want to control that, see you chained to the vows you make. Protectorate for an honor warrior race as yourself? That is per definition an insult. You are strong enough to protect yourself and not be controlled or be obeying others”.

Considering his idea as J’esord continues, “We offer a warrior-exchange compact. This entitles quite simple in the following. Vraxiri warriors can train aboard Qabhi ships and controlled planets, by extent to any Koloth-aligned house training grounds.” He waves his hand to the warlord, “By exchange our Officers learn the Accord etiquette and Vraxiri tactics here on the worlds controlled by the Vraxir. We limit ourselves by the sharing of material goods, such as fleets and bases, but focus more on defense and discipline rather than conquest.”

“There shall not be a garrison to hold a check upon you, no flag over your halls that symbolizes any means of possession. We rather stand beside you Warlord, not above you”  Vor’aq enforces the offer that J’esord made.

Tapping his finger on the table, Varrek focus on the two didn’t break as he listens to them, “And what shall House Qabhi gain from this all?”

Vor’aq stern look softens slightly, “Prestige and honor, we gain formidable duelists that are skilled with their weapons. Exchange of techniques that help our people in ground combat situations. And of course a strong public bond with people that values law over conflict.”

The words were slowly sinking in as Varrek looked at Pelis “Create two scrolls of these proposals. Red wax represents the Toral’s protectorate proposal and House Qabhi’s scroll will be iron-grey wax” He saw the nod of Pelis and Varrek looks back at them both “Both theses will be weighted after the composite trial. An important event for our people” He stands up and moves to the balcony where Varrek was earlier. Varrek waves to follow as Pelis continues on the scrolls alone.

The wind brushes against their faces as the square was visible again and night was slowly settling in. “The whispers of the iron roads will not be the only weight in this choice. He turns to them both and points his open hand to the city, “Protectorate or exchange must be seen and felt by our people.”

Taking a deep breath, “This composite trial will be the crucible of this choice. Not just for the warriors that participating in this festival. We look at Toral’s camp to prove their creed within our Accord. But we expect House Qabhi to show discipline and restraint that still draws out that strength and loyalty” Varrek lowers his hand and smiles softly “Both your steel and Toral’s steel are burning hot from the same fire. So it depends on which alloy will hold till then end”.

Vor’aq looked at the warm lights, the three large platforms and ring-lines faintly glowing with staff preparing them with chalk and cleaning them. “Our steel will stand in that fire, do not worry about that Warlord” He now understood that winning this trial is not just about gaining points, it’s also proving that these people philosophy is strong and not forgotten.

“Then let the trial test more than just muscle, but bravery, honor and as you said loyalty to the Accord” J’esord spoke with a small laugh of approval.

Qabhi’s Private Chambers

After leaving the Warlord room, the two made their way back to their sleeping area. After entering back in the room, J’esord explained the rest of the team what they spoke about. “This mission can go two paths, and this trial is the factor we need to prove ours is better”

W’ekras leans against the counter with her arms crossed over each other. She slowly realizes that this festival was something bigger than just their honor. It was the fundamental argument for discipline itself. A lot was at stake and everyone in the room could feel it.

“These Krelleks have no idea what they are doing, they were muttering in public to drag the accord into a real war” Baro shrugs.

For a moment it was quiet as Vor’aq sat there, “We shall win this trial. But these people will decide”.